Fly Fishing Gear and Trout Flies for the Big Hole River MontanaFly Line:The Big Hole River has some very nice size rainbow and brown trout. The ideal all around fly line size would probably be a 5 weight, floating fly line. Many anglers would want to use a lighter fly line in the headwater sections. A 4 weight would work great there.

Some anglers would prefer something heavier for large nymphs and streamers. A 6 weight fly line would deliver most of the streamers and heavy nymphs better than the 5 weight. You may want to use a sinking tip line for the streamers at times.

Fly Rod:You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The four, five and six weight rods would be ideal at a length of nine feet. We think a medium to medium fast action would be best.

Fly Reel:The reels for the 4, 5 or 6 weight lines should have good drags. They should be smooth and adjust in fine increments. You don't want to hook one of the Big Hole's larger trout and end up with a broken tippet.

Leaders:You should be using at least a seven foot leader anywhere on the Big Hole River. A nine foot length would probably be the best all around length. The only exception would be when you are fishing streamers. You may want a shorter leader in that case. You should have leaders in sizes ranging from 0X for streamers, up to 6X for midge imitations.

Tippet:You should also have plenty of extra tippet in sizes ranging from 0X to 6X.

Waders:Waders are necessary most anywhere you fish the Big Hole River. We prefer the breathable type but you may need neoprene waders if you are fishing during the winter.

Wading Boots:Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. They have at other similar waters where we've tried them.

Wading Staff:The use of a wading staff would be an optional accessory.

Landing Net:You should consider using a landing net. It may save that big trout from getting free at the last few seconds of the fight.

Trout Flies:We recommend our "Perfect Fly" trout flies. We have specific imitations of every important insect that exist on the Big Hole. It is best to use the hatch chart and select the flies to use for the specific insects that will be hatching when you are fishing. If you haven't already done so, please give them an opportunity to work for you.

Options For Selecting Flies:1. Email us (sales@perfectflystore.com)with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.

2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need.

3. Email us (sales@perfectflystore.com)with a budget for flies and we will select them to match the budget and get them to you in time for your fly fishing trip.

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